Alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico rose by 2.6% between 2024 and 2025, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). The increase comes after a 21% decline in alcohol-related deaths recorded from 2021 to 2024.
Despite the decline recorded in previous years, the recent increase highlights the continuing public health concerns associated with alcohol consumption. Rebecca Neudecker, section manager of NMDOH’s Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention, said that alcohol use can be linked to various health conditions such as liver diseases, cancer, and heart problems.
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“Drink Less, Live More” is a campaign launched by the department that provides resources such as self-check guides, daily drink trackers, and community support materials. The department also continues to address these concerns by working with local communities to strengthen community education and prevention programs.
NMDOH is also encouraging residents to participate in Sober October, an initiative that challenges individuals to resist the temptation of alcohol for a month. Those who seek assistance and guidance are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about available treatment options. They may also contact the department’s helpline at 1-833-796-8773 for support.
What's Next
The New Mexico Department of Health tries their best to encourage residents to participate in alcohol prevention initiatives, including Sober October and its "Drink Less, Live More" campaign. The department's Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention is open for residents that are seeking information and free online screening tools. Health care providers and the department's helpline at 1-833-796-8773 are open to provide assistance as well.
Why It Matters
New Mexico's recent reversal regarding the alcohol-related deaths exposes that alcohol misuse continues to be a critical public health crisis that needs continued intervention. This circumstance emphasize the importance of sustaining prevention efforts and making health support accessible to communities.
To address these concerns, NMDOH continues to promote preventative and community-based education, and most importantly an accessible healthcare services. Programs such as the “Drink Less, Live More” campaign, are specifically designed to bridge resource gaps by delivering self-check tools, daily drink trackers, and community support materials to help residents assess their drinking habits.
